Emergence of Airdrie Black Community (ABC)
“In the beginning were people of black descent living in the City of Airdrie, with everyone doing their own thing without a common platform that connected them together to achieve and make a greater impact”.
During the 2021 Municipal Elections campaign, when I had the privilege to run as a candidate for the council seat, I noticed a big disconnect among the black people in the community and the urgent need to do something about it.
In the course of my campaign, I met Mr Akin Akinniyi (who later served as Interim VP Technologies and Vice President) to whom I shared my vision on the importance of black collaboration in our community. This vision resonated with him, and we scheduled the first meeting at the Good Earth Coffeehouse here in Airdrie. At that meeting, we discussed extensively how to connect and promote this agenda to the black community in Airdrie.
Next we reached out to some other black residents in Airdrie, namely Mr Bright Adelegan (who contributed generously both human and financial resources to the success of ABC), Mr Kwabena Otchere (Strategic Advisor for ABC), and Mr Koomson Ferguson(who served as the first Interim Chairman of the Association) to join and support the initiative at the follow up meeting where we mapped out what would become the vision and Mission of Airdrie Black Community.
Then other residents joined the team at various times in the formative stages to make invaluable contributions that gave the Airdrie Black Community (ABC) association the foundation and structure needed to make the notable impact we are witnessing both within and outside Airdrie Black Community today. These committed individuals include Mr Leighton McLean (who offered to serve as the first elected president and brought the significant leadership much needed at the time), Ms Simisola Obasan (who served tirelessly as the first administrator, secretary and then as the president of ABC), Ms Kemi Ojo (who served as VP Marketing & Promotions, Communications & Events), Ms Yemisi Akaahs (as the first Treasurer and current General Secretary), Ms Collia Campbell-Barnaby (VP Sales & Revenue), Mr Temitope Olukunle (VP Finance & Current Treasurer), Mr Dixon Usen (VP Technologies and innovation) and Ms Abimbola Ifidon (Served as VP Strategic Advisory).
Today, Airdrie Black Community is proud of its impact in making needed connections to make our community thrive with programs including but not limited to improved Social Media connections, the annual barbecue gathering, Business Expositions, Canada Day celebrations, Black History celebrations, amongst others.
Also worthy of recognition is the recent successful (2025) election of a member of ABC, Ms Simisola Obasan, as a Councillor in Airdrie.
This victory further demonstrates how much greatness, accomplishment and possibilities we can attain when we work together.
